Ryan Weldon raises awareness for PTSD with Lone Star College visit

Published 5:04 pm, Monday, August 31, 2015

Cpl. Ryan Weldon, Marine Corps veteran, will speak at Lone Star College-University Park to tell the story of his 5,000 mile walk to raise awareness for those with post-traumatic stress disorder..

“PTSD is serious and that is the goal, to get the word out about PTSD and let people know who suffer you are not alone,” said Weldon. “You never know what you could do; a simple phone call could save someone’s life.”

It is estimated that one in three returning veterans are being diagnosed with serious PTSD symptoms. Less than 40 percent will seek help. Since 2006, 1,100 vets have taken their own lives.

“I’m trying to save lives by getting the word out about PTSD,” said Weldon.

LSC students, military veterans and the public are invited to attend this important dialogue which takes place at LSC-University Park, Sept. 3 at 11:30 a.m. in the West Dining Room.

“I encourage anyone interested to come out and hear Ryan Weldon speak about his goal to walk 5,000 miles across America and raise awareness about PSTD,” said Steven Hall, LSC system director, veteran affairs, veteran services. “The more people know, the more they will be in a position to help our veterans.”

Houston is the third largest military retirement community in the United States and the second largest veterans community in terms of resident veterans. In addition, it is estimated that 23 percent of Houston homeless adults are veterans.

LSC provides numerous services to its military veteran students including the VetSuccess on Campus program, a collaborative effort between LSC and the Department of Veterans Affairs with the purpose of providing a supportive on-campus environment for student veterans. LSC was also designated a 2015 Military Friendly® School selected from a nationwide list of more than 10,000 schools by Victory Media, a veteran-owned business connecting the military and civilian worlds. This is the second year in row LSC has been recognized.